Optimization of Lipase-Catalyzed Glycerolysis for Mono and Diglyceride Production Using Response Surface Methodology

In this work, the application of response surface methodology and central composite design to optimize the reaction variables of glycerolysis for the production of monoglyceride (MG) and diglyceride (DG) was discussed. Using a 24-factorial experimental design, the effects of temperature between 10 and 50 °C, time of 2–6 h, the amount of lipase 0.01–0.3 g, glycerol to oil molar ratio 1:1–3:1, and water content 3.5–9.5 wt% were studied. Contour plots were used to evaluate the optimal conditions for MG and DG production between the independent variables and responses. The highest yield of MG and DG were 38.71 and 39.45 wt%, respectively.